Catalonia in 3 steps Pyrenees, Girona and the Mediterranean - New 2018

The best of Catalonia by bike: Pyrenees, Girona and the Mediterranean

Girona is; since the mid-1990s the ultimate destination for road cyclists who want to train out of season. Popularized by great names in professional cycling, Girona enjoys an ideal environment, a mild climate, and a rich architectural heritage. In one week, you will ride as much in the high mountains as by the sea as in the countryside. Catalonia is a region unknown to tourists who often only know its capital; Barcelona. This Spanish province, bordered on the north by the Pyrenees and on the east by the Mediterranean nevertheless shelters grandiose landscapes which make it a perfect destination for cycling. Art lovers will be delighted by the works of Dali, Gaudi and Picasso while the gourmets of you will be dazzled by the table of great Catalan chefs for whom Ferran Adrià has paved the way. You will ride on the most beautiful roads of the region which cross small picturesque villages dominated by the mountains or overlooking the Mediterranean. You will have many opportunities to have a break at a local bar for a cortado or tinto or sit down for an almuerzo of pork or seafood. You can also enjoy the produce of the vineyards; Catalonia being recognized for the excellence of its wines. There will be plenty of opportunities to mingle with the locals and learn more about their history and traditions. Your base camp will be established in Girona where several professional riders have taken up residence to prepare for the big tours.  The trip will be guided by Marc Dufour, founder of the Centrifuge Group who has guided generations of cyclists to his camps in Virginia as well as on other continents. He knows how to do everything on a bike both mechanically and as a cyclist. As a good epicurean, he will make you discover the pleasures of Catalonia by ensuring that you all live a memorable trip.

The Itinerary

Day 1: Saturday, May the 19th, 2018 | Montreal - Barcelona

Boarding of the Air Transat plane that will take you on your way to Barcelona.

Day 2: Sunday, May the 20th, 2018 | Arrival in Barcelona and transfer to Olot

Arrival in Barcelona where your Sur La Route guide is waiting for you for the transfer to Olot, the city of volcanoes where you can admire some monuments including the modernist school. After settling into the hotel and mounting the bikes why not gather around a good bottle to learn more about the wonderful cycling week that awaits you.  Overnight in Olot.  

Day 3: Monday, May the 21st, 2018 | Ripoll

We begin our journey with a ride towards Ripoll, a small town considered as the cradle of Catalonia. The nearby presence of the Pyrenees is felt as shown by the difference in altitude of each route. Itinerary 1: 50 km with 950 m of climbing Itinerary 2: 95 km with 1900 m of climbing Overnight in Olot  

Day 4: Tuesday, May the 22nd, 2018 | Natural Park of the Volcanic Zone of Garrotxa

We cross the Natural Park of the volcanic area of ​​La Garrotxa where the many volcanoes, now extinct, add a dramatic touch to the landscape. Itinerary 1: 70 km with 1450 m of climbing Itinerary 2: 100 km with 2200 m of climbing Overnight in Olot  

Day 5: Wednesday, May the 23rd, 2018 | the Pyrenees

We are going to storm the Pyrenees this morning! As we approach the French border, we can see the ruins of Rocabruna Castle, one of Ripoll’s defensive units during the Middle Ages. We will stop in the village of Camprodon for a coffee or lunch before heading back to Olot. For the more adventurous, the challenge is more than just a few few pedal strokes with a return of 46km to Vallter 2000 from Camprodon for a total extra elevation gain of 1260m (5.17% average up to a maximum of 9%). You have dreamed of the Pyrenees? This your time to enjoy it. Itinerary 1: 84 km with 1700 m of climbing Itinerary 2: 113km with 2375 m of climbing - Col D'ares Itinerary 3: 131 km with 2960 m of climbing - Vallter 2000 Itinerary 2 + 3: 160km with 3599 m of climbing Overnight in Olot  

Day 6: Thursday, May the 24th, 2018 | Olot, Girona

This hilly route will take you first to Lake Banyoles which is the largest lake in Spain and where the rowing events took place during the 1992 Olympics. We will then continue to Girona, our home for the next step. Itinerary 1: 60 km with 530 m of climbing Overnight in Girona  

Day 7: Friday, May the 25th, 2018 | Massif des Guilleries

This morning, we head west to the Massif des Guilleries. We return in time for dinner and continue our exploration of Girona. Itinerary 1: 90 km with 1300 m of climbing Itinerary 2: 40 km with 360 m of climbing Overnight in Girona  

Day 8: Saturday, May the 26th, 2018 | Els Àngels

We are going out on the mountain of Els Àngels this morning. After a long climb, a steep descent leads us to the medieval hamlet of Madremanya. Art and history enthusiasts may want to stop by Pubol to visit Gala Castle and Salvador Dali. The return to Girona is by another mountain road. Those who opt for the long version will go through the medieval villages of Ullastret, Palau-Sator and Peratellada; real architectural jewels. Itinerary 1: 50 km with 1100 m of climbing Itinerary 2: 75 km with 1350 m of climbing Overnight in Girona  

Day 9: Sunday, May the 27th, 2018 | Loop in the Pyrenees

We drive to the foothills of the Pyrenees. Those who love long climbs will probably want to climb to the top of the Mare de Deu del Mont, a classic of the region. Itinerary 1: 115 km with 1900 m of climbing Itinerary 2: 100 km with 1350 m of climbing Overnight in Girona

Day 10: Monday, May the 28th, 2018 | Figueres

An easy journey takes us to the pretty town of Figueres, which is worth a visit. Do not miss to visit the Dali Theater-Museum where rests the remains of the famous Catalan artist. Itinerary 1: 100 km with 1000 m of climbing Itinerary 2: 55 km 600 m of climbing Overnight in Girona  

Day 11: Tuesday, May the 29th, 2018 | Loop to Rocacorba

To end our stay in Girona, we suggest you face the highest pass of the province, the Rocacorba. This 14 km climb, popular with local cyclists, offers an average incline of 6.5%. As you climb to the summit you will pass the Sanctuary of Rocacorba which gives its name to the pass. Itinerary 1: 65 km with 1300 m of climbing Overnight in Girona  

Day 12: Wednesday, May the 30th, 2018 | Girona-Tossa de Mar

Crossing the Massif des Gavarres will take you to the Mediterranean. This last leg of the route follows the Costa Brava. Do not get too distracted by the wonderful sea air as you wind down the winding road! Itinerary 1: 80 km with 1300 m of climbing Overnight in Tossa de Mar  

Day 13: Thursday, May the 31st, 2018 | Tossa de Mar

Although our hotel and the nearby beach invites you to be completely idle, we will nevertheless offer a loop to those who wish to ride a little and get acquainted with the surroundings. Itinerary 1: 80 km with 950 m of climbing Overnight in Tossa de Mar  

Day 14: Friday, June the 1st, 2018 | Cadiretes massif

Although short, the routes that we propose today remain a little challenging as we cross the Massif des Cadiretes. After an hour of cycling, we arrive in the town of Llagostera to get our dose of caffeine. We then attack a long climb followed by a nice descent to the Mediterranean. Those who wish can make a return trip to Sant Feliu de Guixols to enjoy the coastline again and one of the most beautiful cycling routes of Catalonia. Route 1: 45 km loop with 850 m of climbing Route 2: 70 km loop with 1400 m of climbing Overnight in Tossa de Mar  

Day 15: Saturday, 2nd June 2018 | Transfer to Barcelona and the return flight to Montreal

Our bus will take you back to Barcelona this morning where some will take their flight back while others will extend their stay.